Xiyan followed silently like a shadow—still and serene, much like a samurai attendant to a daimyo in old Japan.

Only when Xiaoxian and Chang’an passed the kendo dojo did her eyes flicker for a moment, gazing with a hint of nostalgia. Inside, the room stood empty, save for a row of shinai waiting patiently for girls to wield them after school.

As an elite all-girls academy, the school emphasized far more than standard academics. Courses like tea ceremony, kendo, and ikebana shaped well-rounded, graceful young ladies.

Chang’an listened attentively like a curious tourist as Xiaoxian explained the campus—and the origin of the school’s name.

And… just as expected.

Xiaoxian had practically bought the entire school herself before selling partial shares to form today’s board. Naturally, she remained the undisputed chairwoman.

As for the name’s origin… mentioning it felt embarrassing. Chang’an’s cheeks burned hot—walking through a school literally named after him.

The real kicker? It was an all-girls school!

“Y-You’re really not planning to admit boys?” Chang’an asked instinctively, utterly without intent.

To Xiaoxian, however, the words carried a different flavor. She shot her brother a scrutinizing glance. “For Brother? We could make an exception. But most girls here come from affluent families—many are pure-hearted young ladies. Please be gentle… and don’t rush things.”

“I would never! Wait—no, I never said I wanted to enroll!” Chang’an’s face flushed deeper. Xiaoxian’s teasing made him feel like some light novel harem protagonist hunting romance.

Xiaoxian was mostly joking. Watching her brother flustered was simply too amusing.

Not all students were in class. Girls passing by glimpsed Chang’an—fair-skinned, clean-featured, the very image of youthful charm—and blushed, hastily looking away before stealing shy glances back.

Just as Xiaoxian said… these girls were overwhelmingly innocent.

A flicker of displeasure crossed Xiaoxian’s mind. *He attracts attention too easily… I almost want to lock him away, keep him just for me…*

But the thought vanished instantly. She knew confinement would bring him pain, not joy. His happiness always came first—her unwavering conviction.

“Qianqian’s in class now. Want to visit her?”

“Eh… might disturb the lesson. Never mind. She’ll see Shi Xia’s message by noon,” Chang’an smiled softly, warmth glowing naturally in his eyes.

He never rushed to gather everyone back or pour out fervent emotions.

He preferred wandering gently—like picking seashells by the shore or stumbling upon morning blossoms.

Look up… and there you are. On the beach. Bathed in dawn light.

Starting with Shi Xia, one day, everyone from the past would return to his side.

Xiaoxian seemed to read his heart, casting him a doting glance.

How ironic. She—the beloved little sister everyone adored—was now the one offering affection.

Roles completely reversed.

Chang’an, ever grateful and content, sighed with gentle resignation and ruffled Xiaoxian’s hair.

If any school board member saw this? They’d freeze solid in shock.

They hadn’t witnessed such docile innocence in Xiaoxian for years. Usually, that petite frame carried unshakable authority.

Not forced. A true sovereign on the chairwoman’s seat—commanding both reverence and awe.

Her eyes held a lioness.

Fierce. Furious.

Legend said male lions guarded territory while lionesses hunted.

But in the five years after Chang’an vanished…

Xiaoxian became the defiant lioness—stubbornly guarding the realm for the absent male.

Trespassers? Eliminated.